Sen. John Patrick, a Democrat from Rumford, says Maine workers are among the best in the nation, but there aren't enough good jobs to go around.

"How frustrating to work two, three jobs and still have not enough money to put gas in your tank, heat your home or buy your child a new pair of sneakers," he said.

The group says the average "living wage" - enough to cover the cost of housing, food, transportation, health care and other necessities - for a single adult in Maine is $15.40. According to the report, 53 percent of the jobs currently available in Maine pay less than that.

The report comes as legislators begin work on a two-year budget proposal from Gov. Paul LePage. The Maine People's Alliance says the proposal includes tax shifts and program cuts that could add to the financial problems of low and middle-income Mainers.

This story was reported and written by Ed Morin, with help from A.J. Higgins.